Well, dear readers, we’re gearing up for the staged reading and have two count them two music rehearsals this week, and then our two blocking rehearsals on Saturday and Sunday, and then performances on Monday and Tuesday. If any of our West Coasters would like to come and see it, just drop me an e-mail and we’ll put you on the list. We have a wonderful company of players, and it should be a lot of fun. The previous has been a public service announcement. Do they still have those on TV? I used to love hearing that – “The following is a public service announcement.” That was almost as much fun as the ads for Five-Day Deodorant Pads and the test pattern. I can’t even remember what the public service announcements were about, frankly. I do remember when the radio stations did those Civil Defense alerts once a week. What did they say? “The following is a Civil Defense test” or something, right? Just so we wouldn’t be confused that it was the real thing and all go hide in our bomb shelters. Or did they use the word Conalrad – I seem to remember that word. What the HELL am I going on about? Don’t I have notes to write. Didn’t I have a day yesterday? Didn’t I wake up, take a two-mile walk, followed by a two-mile jog back home? Didn’t I have a Subway Club for lunch, followed by some gummy candies with no fat grams? Didn’t I drink way too much flavored carbonated water with cherry flavor? Didn’t I have several telephonic calls? Didn’t I answer all manner of e-mails? Didn’t I get the new Kritzerland CD booklet from my designer to proof? Didn’t it look really good, and isn’t it really fun? Didn’t I make a rehearsal schedule for the two music sessions? Didn’t I finally sit on my couch like so much fish?
Yesterday, I watched two count them two motion pictures, one I TIVOd, and one on DVD. The motion picture I TIVOd was entitled The Destructors, one of the worst movie titles in history. I recorded it because I liked the cast, which included Michael Caine, Anthony Quinn, and James Mason. That’s all I really knew about it, other than it was one of those mid-1970s International co-productions that I always rather enjoy. This one was directed by Robert Parrish, who I like. The minute I heard the main title music, I knew that I was, in fact, not watching a movie called The Destructors, but one called The Marseille Contract. Why they felt they needed a new and awful title in the US is anyone’s guess. In any case, I really sort of enjoyed the film – it’s not a great picture, but it’s very short, and Caine is so good in these sorts of films, as are James Mason and Anthony Quinn. And the score by Roy Budd is a major plus. All in all, very diverting. I then watched the motion picture on DVD, which was entitled Back To The Future, Part III. I really didn’t care for it back when it came out, and I’m afraid I didn’t care for it seeing it again these many years later. Part Two has its problems, but does have some clever things in it and a few good scenes. But, basically the two sequels just do the same story and gags with different settings, and that’s the big problem with the two films. The first film is so perfect in just about every way, and the second two don’t really add anything that’s as much fun or as special. The third one, especially, is just a rehash in the old West. The performances are fun, and there are a couple of good gags, but it just feels “been there, done that” and old. It was fun to see Dub Taylor, Harry Carey, Jr. and Pat Buttram, and Mary Steenburgen is always good, but I just couldn’t wait for it to end.
What am I, Ebert and Roeper all of a sudden? The following is a public service announcement: Why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below.
Today, I have quite a bit of organizing to do, and some telephonic conversations to have, and some e-mails to respond to, and I must try to avoid any and all mine fields. We’re trying to get the new Kritzerland title up by Tuesday, but since my site designer never responds in a timely way, I don’t know that it will happen. Everything’s ready on our end, and she has everything she needs to do it – but with no response, I just have no idea. And that’s the problem when you’re at the behest of others.
Tomorrow, we have music rehearsal one, starting at one in the afternoon and going until five or thereabouts. Wednesday, I have a ton of stuff to do, and Thursday I’m having lunch with the recently returned to the US, Hisaka, and then our second music rehearsal. Friday, I’ve been invited to the dress rehearsal of Les Miz at the Hollywood Bowl – not sure if I’m up for that or not.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, jog, organize, have telephonic conversations, do errands and whatnot, and eat something that’s not fattening. Today’s topic of discussion: It’s everyone’s favorite – The Initials Game™. Remember, you’re on the honor system to not look up people on the Internet or elsewhere – all names should be people you’ve heard of and you should know who they are. It is, of course, okay to double-check your name before posting. One name per post, please. Today’s initials are not going to be as easy as the last few weeks, but I know you’ll come up with great choices. And today’s initials are: C.L. The following is a public service announcement: Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we? And send all excellent vibes and xylophones for the avoidance of mine fields.